Classical Composer Reacts to 2112 (Rush) (Reaction and Analysis | The Daily Doug (Episode 111)

#Reaction #HelveringReaction #Rush #RushReaction #2112 #2112Reaction #Rush2112
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to 2112 by Rush. This is the entire first side to their 1976 album of the same name. I have long heard of this song but have never heard it before today. I was completely overwhelmed by its engrossing narrative and musical complexity.
Reference Video: • Rush - 2112 [HD FULL S...

[@kenmolinaro]

The record label told them to make more radio friendly songs. So they made this in response. They figured they were not going to compromise their musical integrity and may as well go out doing what they want. But it was such a huge hit, from that point on, their label never tried to tell them what to do again.

[@JoolsGuitar]

Rush did not become a legend with time, they already started being legends.

[@dennisperin2989]

Was just watchin Straight Out Of Compton. Just realized the similarities between these two bands, completely diff genre’s the establiment told NWA that gangsta rap wouldn’t sell. Both these HOF bands did it they’re way ultimately

[@SylviusTheMad]

Specifically, they were told to sound "more like Bad Company".

[@rklewis2]

@@SylviusTheMad Wow. They ignored the hell out of that!

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

B side is pretty radio friendly though. And aside from the length, the tittle track has some catchy sections that could have been turned into a single for airplay purposes. 2112 is much more commercially viable than Caress of Steel I think.

[@jaywitt5171]

Attention all planets of the Solar Federation: 7 words repeated 3 times = 21 We have assumed control: 4 words repeated 3 time = 12 2112 - absolute masterpiece

[@morlokkurak4763]

😲😲😲😲 I never noticed that. Thank You. 👍🇨🇦👍

[@dieselbourbon3728]

I use it for my ring tone. Never fails to get a wtf in public.

[@ThailandXpress]

@@dieselbourbon3728 I used it as my email signature at work for years and people were totally lost.

[@jackpittens796]

@@dieselbourbon3728Good one. I have been using Fanfare For A Common Man from ELP for my ring tone for years. Have yet to come across someone who knows what it is. Most are like WTF is that?

[@somecallmetim2112]

I was usually too engrossed in the music to ever count, and I've been listening to 2112 for over 30 years. Never too old to learn. Thanks!

[@lindapellegrino1110]

There will never be a lyricist like The Professor and Alex and Geddy were the perfect accompaniment to his words. The fact that they pulled this off in the 70s and were just 3 men was nothing short of phenomenal. Rest in Peace Mr. Peart.

[@Sasquatch33]

Tomas Haake (the drummer for Meshuggah) also has some amazing lyrics. Tomas even credits Neil as one of his biggest inspirations.

[@marcelosena8955]

Can you imagine 2112 being your response to the record company saying "Can you try to sound a little bit more like Bad company? Holy shit

[@t.rexsymonds7969]

Perfect

[@ThePontificatingAHole]

I think the story goes that Neil was too wrapped up in his books to be able to write a Bad Company kind of song. He wrote what he knew at the time, and that was the books he read while on your.

[@wwsuwannee7993]

I bought this album as soon as it came out, it blew me away. They basically told the label to go pack sand, and did what they wanted. Big balls, real men, class act. This guy said it's been 45 years...holy sht...seems like yesterday.

[@theyescapedtheweightofdarkness]

'is this radio friendly enough for you?'

[@KenL414]

One of probably 2,112 reasons why they're the best band ever

[@Brimp555]

When I saw Rush perform this when I was a teen, I couldn't comprehend how this song could be performed by just three people.

[@DavidLazarus]

To be fair, there are some overdubs. Nevertheless, as you state, they pull 2112 off quite well live. I've been listening to Rush In Rio over the past couple of days. While the audio quality is a bit dodgy, the performances are stellar!

[@vvrroomm68]

The crowd jumping up and down and singing all the songs with such mad energy makes the concert interplanetary. Limelight, they sing the melody. It’s E P I C!!!

[@DavidLazarus]

@@vvrroomm68 - Ha! So, I'm not the only one who "sings" the instruments as well as the words! I generally stick to the lower register these days and weave between the bass and guitar parts. For the record, I generally do a very simplified version of many bass lines. People like Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Greg Lake, etc are impossible to follow note-for-note vocally.

[@vvrroomm68]

Very well said. The better players are very hard to voice their lines. If you watch Limelight in Rush Live in Rio you will see what I mean. Cheers.

[@MessingWithMyBro96]

I felt the same way!! Such an unreal band to see live

[@jankarlsson8341]

It's mindblowing to think that Geddy and Alex were 22 and Neil 23 at the time of the recording.

[@travisg2303]

That's how old lots of the founding fathers of the US were too. Good years.

[@johnnyfiveo]

after the release of "caress of steel" rush's previously released, dismally received, album in 1975, the record company pretty much told RUSH, "we need a hit album" which RUSH wasn't going to succumb to the tyrannical music industry. this was their "F*CK YOU" and "out the door, in flames" record. of "well, at least we went out with a bang" record. magically, it resonated like no other album has for them. i cried hearing this watching your reaction to this record. it changed the course of history for so many bands. and the voice at the end is neil's.

[@jennysaranac4454]

Nicely put, young man.

[@zeppelinfan9360]

Truth be told, "Caress of Steel" was my very first complete album RUSH experience and in my opinion is very underrated and one of my favorite RUSH albums.

[@thebreathalyzer]

so funny, their FU to the record company ended up being a huge record for them. poetic

[@christopherconard2831]

It was their final album under the band's original contract. I had the feeling they thought this may be their last time with access to a major recording studio so they decided to check off everything they wanted to try, then pour it into one album.

[@CLGMusicMedia]

I heard this album at a friend's house when I was in middle school. It was brand new and his older brother was jamming the album really loud. The second I heard the intro drum fill for Temples of Syrinx I instantly knew I wanted to play drums. Now, all these years later, I'm still playing. And still devoted to Neil's influence.

[@KenL414]

The "holy shit" at the end is a genuine and perfect reaction to hearing that for the first time.

[@nigelsixx8126]

brill!!! ;0

[@deanmartin9199]

Exactly! I've no idea how many times I've heard it and I still get chills up my spine at the end. Holy shit indeed!

[@trsidn]

I kinda think that it was my first reaction too

[@almaguapa-sailboatliveaboa440]

Said same when I first heard and read lyrics in 1976. 46years ago… 😜

[@Land-Shark]

After 20 years of listening to me playing this song, and many other Rush songs on my bass, my wife would tune them out because she is not into Rush at all and didn't get why I love their music so much. Last year, she confessed to having listened to 2112 all the way through while reading the lyrics, and said she finally understands why I love them. :) I was a classically-trained youth musician from an early age (viola, Bb clarinet and then ended with Bb bass clarinet in a youth Mozart quartet), but dropped out of playing music for three years until I heard Rush in 1981 and, for a whole year, I'd go to sleep with my headphones on with a Rush cassette of their live album "Exit... Stage Left" set to loop continuously from Side A to Side B and I'd play air bass to it as I fell asleep (I played viola for a number of years, which is also bass cleff, so I knew the basic finger poisitions needed to play the sequences of notes properly, and just enlarged them to fit a bass guitar neck). Then I bought a $50 pawnshop bass guitar, and maniacally dove back into music. I still play to this day, 40-years later, every day, but now I'm on a six-string bass (Ibanez with EMG 45JX pickups & active electronics, played through a Tech 21-NYC VT Bass Deluxe and a Boss GT-10B fx pedalboard, for any gearheads out there who might read this) and at least two good Rush songs a day, and "The Fountain of Lamneth" and "2112" are two of my favorite long ones to play. :)

[@Kidge.6081]

I wish you lived in our neighborhood (in Hawaii). We need a bassist for our rush music ;)

[@garse70]

I used to use the women’s restroom at Rush concerts because they were empty.

[@leolovell6218]

You seem like a hell of a great person doug and you appreciate great music doesn't matter what genre. You're open minded and definitely not a musical snob.

[@electricwizard3000]

Nearly 50 years later and this song still gets me emotional.

[@chasman9662]

Blew my mind as a child...still does today. Note. Songs on side 2 are awesome too.

[@t.rexsymonds7969]

This song Completely directed my musical listening since third grade

[@trsalmon]

Especially now that we've last Neil.

[@stephendedalus4566]

I never cry. Or? OK, Elwood - gone? OMjove. On my knees. Thank you my X Minnesotan one for her saving my sore sorry. IMHO, God needed The Professor home. Safe.

[@trsalmon]

@@stephendedalus4566 well, Neil would disagree, but I understand the sentiment.

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

I was 13 years old when my older cousin showed up with this new album by a band called Rush. I think I wore that album out on him. When I found out about the Ayn Rand book Anthem I went to my school library and signed it out. Only thing is I didn't sign it out in my own name. I signed it out as Neil Peart! Once a week Neil was called to come to the main office when they called everyone else who had overdue books. Oh to be young again.

[@sean---the-other-one]

The record company hated it, and hated where Rush were going. This was accepted purely by the fans, and was such a success that the record company never tried to interfere with them ever again.

[@sean---the-other-one]

Probably a large part of how this resonated with people was growing up with parents who saw rock music as a frivolous pastime that wouldn’t support them as a career, or other people feeling like having their dreams crushed by systems that preferred conformity to individuality. It’s a pretty common feeling and the song was crafted well to tap into it.

[@lauscho]

"2112" was basically Rush reacting to the cold reception to their previous album which had TWO epic length tracks. "We do this and it's our last album ever, or people love it and we get more freedom". Dream Theater had the same thing going for them with "Scenes from a Memory". The record label spent too much time intervening on "Falling into Infinity" and even forced an outside songwriter on one track... and their next album was kind of just "we're gonna pour our passions into a concept album and if it breaks us, at least we went out on OUR terms", and it turned out to be one of their most successful albums, due to the PASSION that went into it. "2112" is much the same story. They poured their passion into it, and it paid off.

[@jsmctch]

The record company hated Caress of Steel. This was their response to "fix it or else"

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@jsmctch Yeah, they went with ‘or else’.

[@lepantoslim7058]

@@sean---the-other-one well said

[@eshepley]

How lucky is the world that Geddy, Alex and Neil found each other. Their music not only rocks, but sparks so much emotion. And most of the time I have no idea what Neil is talking about......

[@parsleypalace3272]

Neil was a true poet.

[@davidthibodeaux4759]

I saw Rush do this song live in 1976. It was incredible.

[@SergioSBloch]

The Grand Finale: Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation 7 words 3x = 21 We have assumed control 4 words 3x - 12 That is how you end an epic opus!!

[@kdiamond]

Came here looking for this comment. How genius was Neil frikkin Peart?

[@RJrod34]

I've been a fan of this band since the late 90's when a good friend of mine enlightened me with this band. I am forever grateful to him for opening my eyes and my mind. I never realized this previously! This is amazing! I hope my fan card will not be revoked for being so late to the party!

[@jessemargolius6196]

Never made that connection before. Brilliant.

[@parsleypalace3272]

Okay, so if that is not a coincidence, then an excellent observation, and yes, Neil Peart was a genius.

[@stantheman9072]

@@RJrod34 love for Rush is always gladly shared...never revoked. I’ve been a fan since All the Worlds a Stage hit the streets. Always room for more!

[@randyfurness5588]

This album made me a Rush fan for life . Then I saw them live and was completely astonished that they were even better live . Amazing. Lesser bands are a disappointment live. Which is just about all the rest of them . RIP Professor . You set the bar so high it will never be touched by anyone else .

[@iansterling9589]

Neil was my hero from a very young age. His death was a very sad time for me.

[@Ram-2112]

After seeing Rush live 10 times I have somewhat given up on seeing other acts I like live because they don't usually come anywhere close to sounding as good or better than the albums like Rush did. RIP Neil

[@christopherconard2831]

I got this from a friend's brother. I asked him for his Fleetwood Mac album, Tusk, to make a copy for myself. He gave me that and then handed me 2112 and told me that was the album I needed to hear. No one has ever been so right in suggesting music for me.

[@dahmc59]

So true Randy, even better live...how the hell it was possible defies all expectations

[@SirManfly]

@@Ram-2112 It helped me living in Canada and them being Canadian ! Touring Canada once a year in the 70's was mandatory, LOL !!

[@mattdrummond9087]

This song is the most important piece of music iv ever heard, personally in my life. It compelled me to play music from a young age. I had never heard anything like it before. To me its not just music...its a masterful painting of music that has inspired millions just like me. This song belongs up there with Stairway to Heaven, Rapsody, and satisfaction as the greatest of all time. Its just as important in my view... this song changed my life. I can never repay Rush for that.

[@Tasarran]

Neil definitely deserves a lot of credit on this song, but the part where Alex is doing the 'learning to play' bit is some sheer genius guitar-smithery...

[@ConceptJunkie]

Alex has said in interviews that he didn't know what to do, so he just started tuning his guitar.

[@thebreathalyzer]

There's so much pure magic in that sequence. Then it gets into the next movement and goes SO dark...

[@randyfurness5588]

@@ConceptJunkie He did one heluva good job at " tuning" .

[@davidpreston3562]

The world is truly not a better place with the absence of RUSH. RIP PROFESSOR🙏🙏🙏

[@richinoable]

For sure. First time i heard it, i thought, oh, yeah. I'll just do THAT and learn to play...🙄😤😅

[@johnbgriffinjr116]

The greatest testament to this progressive rock masterpiece was the shared reaction you, as a classically trained composer and I, as a pimply-faced stoner in the 70’s, both had..... “Holy Shit!”.... well-done my good man

[@atticfanatic6587]

I recall my "Holy Shit" moment too: a powerful recommendation lead to that moment in my bedroom in 1982, my brother's hand-me-down stereo and 2112 on 8 track. Made my heart race and brought tears to my eyes. Played that 8 track through many repairs. Thank you Ritchie B., for your insistence and the glimmer in your eyes.

[@TomPark1986]

Everyone has been waiting for this 2112 is a masterpiece of progressive rock.

[@scott4482]

According to Terry Brown, Rush producer Alex played the enterity of Discovery as a single take, from tuning to Presentation. You're correct, I think he must be a savant.

[@BuckFlicks]

On a borrowed guitar, no less. And a Strat, which isn't Alex's thing.

[@panzerlieb]

No not a savant…A professional.

[@bugpack6]

Absolutely love the sound of Alex’s guitar in the 70’s. The best band to ever to walk the earth!!

[@gabrielpitz1689]

The ending words are spoken by Neil. Also at the end it's the calvalry coming in to overthrow the priests!! The amazing thing about this, is that this is Rush's fourth album in two years. They were around 22 years old for Alex & Geddy & I think Niel was 23!! That is an amazing piece of music for such young musicians!!!

[@michaelt3308]

We could use that to overthrow the Democrats and the BS they are pulling. We need to ASSUME CONTROL again!

[@WisdomKeeper11]

@@michaelt3308 Well said.

[@tomwisniewski8988]

@@michaelt3308 Just get off the internet and live your life. Nothing has been taken from you.

[@michaelt3308]

@@tomwisniewski8988 Yeah I'll prolly not take your advice. Don't think anything been taken from us..? 🤣😂😭 Wait and see. Where do I start? 🤔

[@tomwisniewski8988]

@@michaelt3308 Name a freedom taken from you.

[@ddgallion]

Rush foreshadowing: We’ve taken care of everything The words you read The songs you sing The pictures that give pleasure To your eye

[@okreally3840]

so deep

[@stevedunn2635]

Democratic Socialists. Scares the hell out of me.

[@MegaHogzilla]

The merging of the agendas of our corporate elites with our government officials. Computers fill the hallowed halls of our new big tech overlords. How prophetic.

[@timz9862]

Foreshadowing? This was happening long before Rush made 2112.

[@Cyberfender1]

@@timz9862 and now made manifest before our very eyes.

[@joebozzelli969]

Fantastic hearing you break that down! And after 45plus years it's still a fantastic song to listen to. From my early years as a teen to an older (58) matured male,,, I STILL LOVE IT and I love everyone discovering RUSH this many years later...SUCH A WIDE VARIATION of music through their whole library, it's easy for people to find something they like by these 3 AMAZING MUSICIANS! R.I.P Neil.🙏

[@sean---the-other-one]

Also worth having in the back of your mind, they were all less than 25 years old when they wrote and recorded this.

[@elitewarrior0076]

Yeah, Geddy and Alex were 22 and Neil was 23. Crazy

[@chrisbassartist4344]

Been playing bass 30 years I still can’t touch this

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@chrisbassartist4344 I hear you. 40 years for me this year and it’s well beyond me.

[@manmoth_1990]

Blows my mind that they were even younger when writing Caress Of Steel!

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@manmoth_1990 they were even younger before then, too!

[@rskalisky]

"When Alex Lifeson gives you a shirt, you wear it" -Ricky

[@siddokis2945]

Bubbles

[@rskalisky]

@@siddokis2945 You are correct, been a while since I've seen it.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

Ricky was a fan of Helix, not Rush.

[@Luckypants2113]

@@theinsaneshecklador6598 R-O-C-K, and the crowd yells rock! Now that’s a fucking show! Lol

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

@@Luckypants2113 I'm not givin' anyone a fuckin' R.

[@MrStuartwtaylor]

I have been a Rush fan since 1980 (7th grade for me). I never knew until just recently that the last two phrases of the song were each repeated 3 times for a reason: 7 words "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation" times 3 = 21 words; and 4 words "We have assumed control" times 3 = 12 words. 21 and 12, 2112! Masterful. RIP Professor!

[@Dragonblaster1]

I never thought of that. Bravo, Stuart.

[@MasterPugster]

Never hit me til now

[@MrYatesj1]

I thought is was simply the year of a time in the future where this story takes place, but I like your explanation too.

[@SpriteAndCoke]

@@MrYatesj1 it’s both

[@rheiser]

👏

[@francesbadger3401]

I actually have heard this on the radio. Usually a 6 minute excerpt, but occasionally the whole thing comes on. We love our Rush up in Canada!

[@DamienDrake]

My dad heard it in its entirety on the radio during a midnight radio show where they played album sides. He went out to buy it the next day and got the last copy. Everybody and their brother had grabbed it after that broadcast!

[@apollomemories7399]

You should as it's all you've got. Neil Young left in 1966. Wonder why?

[@billsmith1669]

Typically on the radio you will hear the Temples of Syrinx, not the whole song unfortunately.

[@mottorcycle2559]

97.7 used to play it through on the nightshift, the DJ would say it was time for bathroom/ smoke break time .

[@DamienDrake]

@@apollomemories7399 Get over yourself.

[@CJReaper666]

The lyrics were inspired by an Ayn Rand novel but the story in the song is an original concept by Neil, it's not based on or referencing a specific novel by Rand. Later in his life Neil distanced himself from her and called himself a "Bleeding Heart Libertarian". Neil is the voice at the end, he's playing the role of the good guys coming back to overthrow the priests.

[@felsinferguson1125]

If you've ever read "Anthem" by Ayn Rand, it's very nearly the same story as 2112, only in Rand's telling, it was (literally) a lightbulb rather than a guitar. Neil gave a tip of the hat to Ayn when someone handed him a copy of Anthem and he realized how incredibly similar the two stories were. He didn't "swipe it", as some have said, but after reading Anthem , he recognized how close to identical they are, and so we have the liner note "With acknowledgement to the genius of Ayn Rand".

[@HollowGolem]

@@manmoth_1990 that's interesting to note. I always thought the voices at the end were the Elder Race of man coming to liberate humanity from the priests. Obviously, given their capacity to grow culturally, they would easily outstrip the technological and organizational capabilities of the priests. For me, the tragedy came because the starman protagonist had given up hope, and committed suicide right before the liberation. He had betrayed his ideals and was not saved with the rest of humanity from the tyranny of syrinx. Which also felt like an allegory for the band.

[@mitchellbracey5234]

@@manmoth_1990 I always read it as the protagonist commits suicide after his appeal to the Priests is met with absolute condemnation, only to do so just before The Elder Race of Man returns to liberate. He tragically gives up hope on the eve of the change he pleads for. That is, its message has always been don't surrender. In fact, during countless discussions of the story over 40 years, that's been the majority consensus. Interesting.

[@manmoth_1990]

Gosh you guys, I had remembered it all wrong! It's the good guys at the end all along. I think I actually might have confused some old fan theory with Neil's comments. Here is Neil explaining it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3OqqXege5yJjqs

[@fogzax]

I always saw it as the bad guys taking control at the end - I guess the futile nihilistic reading appealed to me!

[@tbonebass4]

I love how the Overture is comprised of all the primary elements of the successive sections of 2112... Brilliant. The album changed my teenage life. Still moves me to this day on every listen.

[@DrWhom]

this is generally the case with overtures

[@garyreynolds5733]

@@DrWhom I love how Doug hears the 1812 overture in there towards the finale of the 2112 overture. For 44 years, I have played air guitar to that and never placed it.

[@tazmankb26]

Tommy- so true. This was the album of my youth and still one of favorites more than 40 yrs later

[@danieldietrich9969]

Well that's what an overture is.

[@AlobytesOgniddove]

Cause IS AN OVERTURE?!

[@keklordgrey4522]

Rush was considered and called "Intellectual Rock" because of the time changes, key changes, and story telling. RIP N.Peart. a true master of the Arts.

[@MrDeactivator2]

Precursors to prog

[@elimalinsky7069]

@@MrDeactivator2 Rush were precursors to prog metal but they actually came after the peak years of prog rock, which were roughly 1971-1975.

[@sapiensfromterra5103]

@@elimalinsky7069 Exactly, they often aren't progressive, compared to all the Prog bands before them, they sound like a more thoughtful version of 70s hard rock, its good music, just not that progressive

[@elimalinsky7069]

@@sapiensfromterra5103 Some people claim Rush is hard rock with prog rock elements, rather than a true prog band. Their prog era was quite brief in comparison to the band's 50 years of operation (1968-2018), starting with Caress of Steel in 1975 and ending in Moving Pictures in 1981. From Signals onwards it's mostly hard rock/alt rock with prog elements and some new wave elemenets in the 80s.

[@RoarOfWolverine]

Rush was the pinnacle of prog rock. Even though they came a bit early, no one has ever really topped them in complexity. Just like you said, no one else really had as many time changes, key changes, real story-telling and put it together in a cohesive way. That’s why even their very long songs never get boring, like many others. With Neil, there was no ambiguous lyrics that can be interpreted a thousand ways. At least not in the early years. It was straight out, old fashion story-telling. There has never been anything like them. Like Gene Simmons says, “what is Rush? Rush is Rush”. They created their own genre and morphed it over the years to keep things fresh. I dare anyone to name a group like Rush. Some have tried, but no one really captured the essence of what makes Rush great and a legend. I watched a reaction from two guys in Las Vegas react to La Villa Strangiato. They said that their fans had requested a lot of other prog rock prior to hear La Villa and they just couldn’t get it with the other music. They said they could now see what the others were trying to do, but just missed the target. They said every other prog rock stuff requested was complicated, with lots of changes in time signature, key and everything else, but just wasn’t coherent. After hearing La Villa Strangiato, they said they finally got what all the other were trying to do, but failed. They finally understood why Rush fans were so fanatical about the group. They said only Rush was able to make a song with so many changes and keep their attention the entire 9 minutes. According to them, only Rush really captured what was prog rock, fusing elements of jazz, classical, R&B and metal together to create an instrumental that tells the story of Alex’s dream. They saw what all Rush fans know. There is no other prog rock group like Rush, if you want to call their music prog rock? I think they’re right. All of the other prog rock bands go overboard trying to make a song complex, but forget the first rule, it has to be a song. It can’t get so bogged down in quick time signature changes and crazy key changes and forget that it has to meld together to create a musical story, a coherent song. Rush never lost sight of the music and that making a good song was first. That was why they fought the record executives on that fact and thankfully for all,of us, they won. Had 2112 failed, there’d be no Rush. It’s funny how we can do our best work when our ass is against the wrecking machine and that’s what Rush did. They took all that angst and frustration out in the music and boy did it work. We all got a masterpiece. 2112 is nothing short of a masterpiece because it never forgets to be a song first. It tells a great story of individuality and how the creativity of the artist or artisan cannot be stifled by society.

[@shawndavey3414]

Neil, was an introvert, a voracious reader, highly intelligent. His nickname was "the professor ". In the few interviews he gave, (a very private person who hated the "Limelight ") his answers to questions were always very analytical. A perfectionist that showed in his performance every time he sat down on his throne. Arguably the best drummer ever.

[@ChrisLael]

I don't think it is even arguable. Neil was the best drummer - period. In fact, I would say all three of them are in the top five of their respective talents. Alex was overshadowed a lot by Neil and Geddy, but he is a master guitarist!

[@Indo1030]

Absolutely the Best Drummer Ever. No argument!

[@ronstroup2102]

Neil had a PHD is why they called him the professor

[@coachhannah2403]

Arguably. I can think of two I think are better.

[@sfxll]

@@coachhannah2403 name them

[@DD59-77]

Saw Rush in 1976 for the first time. Incredible experience for a 17 yr old. General admission where we ran to the front and stood the whole concert. Ringing in my ears for 2 days. It was mesmerizing to see this live. Alex, Geddy & Neil tearing it up. Saw them another 5 times (twice with my sons) 2112 is a masterpiece

[@xanderdaniels8284]

One thing about 2112 that seems to get overlooked a lot is the production. Holy cow if it isn’t some of the best mixed music I’ve heard. It’s incredible how you can clearly focus in on any individual instrument without losing any clarity on the others. It’s incredible.

[@PatNetherlander]

Absolute truth!

[@ericpeterson7512]

Right on @Xander Daniels! Check out the remastered versions. The production is indeed awesome. Listen for the acoustic guitar throughout the first couple movements.

[@sabbathpriest3755]

Yeah that’s what I noticed as well, for the mid 70s this is top tier sounding production.

[@LizInTheB]

2112 was inspired by Rand's "Anthem". Peart was a voracious reader and a Rand fan in his early years, but grew away from it as he aged (evidenced by his lyrical catalog after 2112), and considered himself a "bleeding-heart Libertarian".

[@essomuck9468]

Agreed. Peary clarified that it was Rand’s concept of artistic liberty that appealed to him and that he and the band were not “Rand disciples” as some in the rock press labeled them.

[@coachhannah2403]

I'm amazed that the one-size-fits-all crowd deifies Rand's writings. They adolescently fail to distinguish liberty from freedom.

[@Fatalstar08]

Great breakdown, Doug. My friend Terry produced this and many of their other records. It was a great time for the band!

[@ericpeterson7512]

Broon!!

[@zeppelinfan9360]

Delve into "Hemispheres" my friend. The story actually starts at the end of "A Farewell to Kings" and is a Masterpiece in my opinion. Underrated 🎸

[@robbiburrell1168]

Indeed a masterpc!

[@christopherpaluck737]

Agreed!

[@thoreau7]

There is unrest in the forest..there is trouble with the trees for the maples want more sunlight but the oaks ignore their pleas.

[@charlieposey5078]

Would be interesting to see Doug react to "Cygnus X-1" and "Cygnus X-1 Book II - Hemispheres" back to back. Discuss how they connect to and contrast from one another.

[@thembill8246]

That duology of A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres is their greatest work for me.

[@SusanKattentidt-yy1ft]

I’ve just recently found your channel and love your reactions. I was 18 yrs old when I saw RUSH 2112 live in concert. After 47 years my mind is there again. This music is a masterpiece.

[@alanquintus2069]

My first Rush album. Bought in fall of 77 10th grade. The best FU to a record label ever. Side B is damn good too

[@midi510]

I bought it in the summer of '77 and saw them live in the fall. I was so excited when I heard they would be playing in my area.

[@jaxindabox6221]

My first 2112 was in the 70's also. My cousins and I traded cassettes sometimes. I believe I got Rush 2112 and Aerosmith Rocks cassettes for my Floyd Wish You were Here and Animals cassettes ( I already had both of those on vinyl so it was a great trade for me.) 2112 made me a lifetime Rush fan and ended my Top 20 countdown days-- PS: Aerosmith Rocks is still their best album in my opinion, would love to hear Nobody's Fault on the radio

[@alanquintus2069]

@@jaxindabox6221 I bought Rocks the same day I got 2112. You're right its Aerosmith's best album.

[@barthurlong78]

Don't be confused.. this is a song about tyranny and mob rule. It lays out, explicitly, the hellscape we live in now.

[@ZildjianMan30]

Exactly. Individualism and individual liberty (same thing really) are being destroyed by real-world Priests of Syrinx. Such is the way of human history.

[@OpenmindedHusker1]

I've decided that I greatly enjoy and appreciate your reaction videos primarily (among other reasons) because you give each selection your full, unadulterated attention. You don't just casually listen and toss out an initial impression. You put in the time and effort required to explore each work so as to truly understand what it's actually about, what it represents, why it's iconic or so meaningful for the performers and their fans. Really great! Thank you.

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thanks Eric

[@Mr.Howell]

Please read: Ballad of the Whiskey Robber , amazing!​@@Doug.Helvering

[@charleswagner2984]

​​@@Doug.HelveringI don't know if you noticed this, but the STRANGE DEVICE was first used in The Revealing Science Of God by Yes 2 1/2 years earlier. Where in that Yes song on the record that STRANGE DEVICE is found is directly "behind my beloved waterfall." on the front cover of Tales From Topographic Oceans like in the story before Discovery. Yes followed up on them in 1987 on the song Big Generator. That is the only occurrences of the STRANGE DEVICE in all music. If anyone knows of more STRANGE DEVICE references, please devulge here.

[@Nennius01]

The fact that they thought they were committing musical suicide by giving THIS album to the label really gives the rebirth at the end poignancy.

[@LordofIsleofTritone]

Anyone else ever notice the word count in The Grand Finale section? "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation" 7 words repeated 3 times. "We have assumed control." 4 words repeated 3 times. 2112.

[@terrylandess6072]

More proof that being clever isn't appreciated by the 'Priests' of today.

[@jamesneal3474]

I have been listening to this album since 1977 when I bought it from a 'record store'. I have never noticed the word count

[@thebreathalyzer]

wow, man.

[@alekhidell]

@@terrylandess6072 genius!

[@steveroberts8036]

Brilliant catch!!

[@craigmanning467]

Fun fact. As a RUSH fan and bird lover, Syrinx is a birds vocal box and it allows them(covids and parrots) to mimic and make amazing sounds. RIP Verde bird(31 years) I love you and will forever miss you. Same as Neil, RIP. There is a reason I named my first born son Neil.

[@frossbog]

Corvids, not covids.

[@SurelyYewJest]

I’m genuinely amazed that many people my age (late Gen X) have gone their entire life never having listened to 2112. I first heard it in my mid-teens and was pretty amazed by it then. 30 years since, the song has not only aged unfathomably well, but sounds better than ever. The whole piece has so many elements that sound so current, and there’s this very palpable switchover from the old sounds to the new. It is dynamically stunning. It is engaging throughout its run time. Its as gentle as Jim Croce and as head-banging as thrash metal. It is both old and new. It is emotively powerful. It is a creative magnum opus.

[@1639danmcc]

Lee, Lifeson & Peart just telling the music world they are taking over...

[@fsavaluationservice2099]

Dude. You are just getting started with Rush and I can see your excitement building. You have no idea what you are in for! It's a near endless stream of greatness!

[@Marrero1]

YYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS I'm so happy do Cygnus X-1 Book II !!!

[@ElizabethMillerTX]

I can't imagine willfully going 40+ years of my life without hearing 2112. I listened to it as quickly as I could and was never the same. Such rebellious art, made specifically to reject repel notions of popularity and yet achieving such universal appeal. It's an important rock album. Fun to watch someone first-time it. Yes, Neil was a genius.

[@EdBert]

Side A of 2112 is one of the top 5 musical achievements of mankind.

[@fredscribner3688]

Side B is pretty damned good as well. 😊

[@robertpridgen7670]

YES!!! 2112 is a masterpiece!

[@jameswarnecke2483]

What 4 are behind

[@GermiesCoasterYard]

The whole album is!

[@forakermm]

The whole album is a masterpiece.

[@asimplierlife3104]

This just popped in my feed and I was genuinely interested in a classically trained composer's take on it. In my mind, it is simply the pinnacle of rock. Truth be told, it transcends the genre - to which you allude. Considering that was your first listen, you picked up on some neat things - like the 1812 Overture. However, there is sooooo much more going on. Think on when the protagonist finds the guitar. A few string plucks, tuning (as he begins to learn), harmonic tuning (a more advanced skill) and beginning on a simple theme. And then building on that theme. Remind you of Moonlight Sonata? And Für Elise for that matter? When you have the time, give it another listen - without having to be distracted by recording a video for YT. It will be time well spent. Oh, and the last movement - it's the other portion of humanity that fled when society fell apart (this previous society was referenced as 'the elder race of man' by the priests.) They return and destroy the priests / their tyrannical rule. Unfortunately, too late for our protagonist, who committed suicide. The frenetic music of the last movement represents the battle between the priests and humanity's other sect. And no, NP wasn't a Rand devotee. Just very well read and drew lyrical inspirations from a myriad of sources.

[@DaKidd62]

Funny that you would say that this is The Pinnacle of rock. I actually think that The Pinnacle, by Kansas is the pinnacle of rock.

[@wallyboyd]

I thought they had admitted to being fond of Ayn Rand in their youths, and then falling away from her (rightfully so, in my mind, as someone who enjoyed Ayn Rand in high school and then very much came to hate her). I could be wrong, but I thought I read this in an interview they did. (I know this was only a small piece of your comment, and I have no real reason to say this at all, because you're probably right, but I would like to know if what I read online was incorrect, as it often ends up being so.)

[@carsi7282]

@@wallyboyd I hope people don't hate her. Pity her (some people may think that is worse) and learn from her mistake. Margret Lawrence wrote The Stone Angel which explores this type of vanity, it is a classic, many Russian writers too). She forced herself to hold to this singular convictions instead of experiencing and expanding the human existence. Those who exalted her writing ended up abandoning her, ironically by forming their societal clique, abandoning the concept of only the self in a tribal world. She died alone and in poverty.

[@michaelchaplin1600]

I'm so glad I found you and I have subscribed.... Rush was the 1st band I ever truly loved and I discovered them in about 1979 as a kid. In regards to the lyrics at the end of the grand finale, it's my belief that the elder race of man have returned to take back the planet

[@cermisan]

I realy miss Neal. RIP Neal. 😢

[@JimGeigerMusic]

Neal who?

[@livingonsunshinesunshine7479]

neal lives john gaulted

[@theyescapedtheweightofdarkness]

*neil

[@cermisan]

@@JimGeigerMusic okay I get it...I mean Neil.

[@jamesdavison2927]

Me too❤️

[@gojifan54gaming15]

"Are y'all reading this? This is totally cool." Me: has the album on vinyl and pulls it out "I've read it 20 times."

[@t00by00zer]

Saw it LIVE at the University of Missouri - Rolla back when they released the album.

[@WarPriest1]

Only 20?

[@BaileyJim11]

Hi Doug. At the end, you were congratulating Rush for their musicianship and skills. I want to congratulate you for continually presenting such top shelf content. You listen without prejudice, and your efforts are massively appreciated! Thank you.

[@dtmania]

Nice catch on the tribute to the 1812 Overture

[@charlieYTonly]

And... like most (all?) Overtures, it's comprised of bits and pieces of music from the rest of the piece.

[@Ichijoe2112]

To bad he didnt catch Powerhouse "B" on La Villa though.

[@boots_33]

You know... For my entire Rush fandom life, I always assumed that the final "We have assumed control" was attributed to the Priests. The music in that Grand Finale section sounds like an uprising spawned from the societal disruption that came from the death of the protagonist, but ending up stomped and smothered by the tyrannical ruling class. HOWEVER, in watching this video and reading along with the lyrics, I thought of it another way... Toward the end of the Oracle section, the words state how the Elder Race left the planets but still prosper, growing in power and purpose "to claim the home where they belong." When the protagonist realizes that his vision was a dream, he is overcome with sadness and takes his own life. But shortly after, the hectic nature of the Finale indicates a rising conflict. The music begins in E-Major, giving a sense of hope amongst the people, and then transitioning to the B-Minor chord progression from the chorus of Section 2, as if to signal the Priests taking their final stand. The guitar solo comes in and gives a feel of battle happening between the two, with the final ascending chords ending in F# being a sort of climax to the battle. It is then that we hear the announcement. "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation: We have assumed control." Given the language of the phrase, we tell ourselves that the Priests and the Temple have won the battle.. but have they? Perhaps the Elder Race has come in and taken their home over as promised, and are announcing to the other planets that THEY now hold the power, that THEY have assumed control. Or... maybe things haven't played out as black-and-white as we've hoped, and the Elder Race not only won back their home planets, but are now exerting THEIR OWN form of control over the people with their authoritative announcement, with the dream that the protagonist held onto ending up twisted in reality. The music seems to end suddenly and unpleasantly, leaving us with a very unresolved and not very positive feeling. I don't know, maybe I'm just rambling like an old fool, but it was amazing to me that I found a new perspective after all these years and wanted to share it.

[@mlsproject]

I love it, "are y'all following along with the lyrics here?" Dude, we've known these lyrics since the first time we pulled the record out of the sleeve and listened. :)

[@danielpittman889]

I have often been moved to tears by 2112 - the struggle against ignorance and stubborn adherence to tradition. Being told there was nothing left to try in treating my son's cancer; that we had to give up and let go. Things may change in the future, but it's futile to hope for change in our lifetime. And also, 2112 is my absolute favorite music to wash dishes to! Thank you so much for your astute analysis. It truly blows my mind when someone discovers the music of Rush, and it truly warms my heart to see someone accepting the challenge of Neil's provocative lyrics. Keep up the good work!

[@jsmctch]

Protagonist killed himself right before the elder race returned to "claim the home where they belong" and "assumed control" Neil is the voice of the elders

[@jsmctch]

@David Ferrer I was summing up

[@overcompensation5354]

I thought that was the case but then I read that Alex and Geddy provided the voice(s). Is there a definitive answer?

[@tomr6090]

He didn't kill himself but rather woke up from his dream where he only thought of killing himself. He was awoken from sleep by the elder race returning to claim the home where they belong, home to tear the temples down, home to change! YUP!

[@tomr6090]

That was the same exact thing I thought for decades before seeing the video I posted link to changed my perspective... Rock on Dude!@David Ferrer

[@jsmctch]

@@tomr6090 "After the priests of the temple destroy the guitar and send him packing, he envisions a world where music and creativity flourish. Knowing he’ll never see that world, he gives in to despair. The ending is left ambiguous: the singer may have committed suicide, but his struggle may have led to a toppling of the empire. After an instrumental finale with a vicious Lifeson solo, the listener is left with an ominous announcement, “We have assumed control.” A new beginning or a totalitarian clampdown? You decide." And that is one of the great things about Neil's writing. He often left small parts open to the listeners interpretation. His words.

[@brettking1014]

Say what you want about Ayn Rand, but her motif in her philosophy was grounded in the importance of the individual’s struggle against the “machine” of group think. Very relevant to today’s culture...in my humble opinion....

[@stevetobin7495]

Love rand for that very thing..the system hates her therefore demonises her

[@themechaniacal1558]

There is little more sacred then having the freedom of rugged individualism.

[@LBart218]

Exactly. Groupthink can be a dangerous thing. Digging deep and using your own discernment is always a good thing. (And yes I see the irony in agreeing with everyone in this thread. 😆)

[@brettking1014]

@@LBart218 Haha!! I love that point you made about the irony. We’re all saying that groupthink is bad, but to dissent would be to say groupthink is good. I find myself in a strange position from my original post. Lol! Does anyone remember that scene from the Life of Brian (Monty Python) where the whole crowd is chanting “we are individuals!,” but this guy stands up in the back and says “I’m not.” 😂

[@illusionclassicrock6742]

@@brettking1014 Yes! We are all individuals!

[@solcastro9279]

I made the entire trip with you. This was great! Rush absolutely rules. RIP beloved Neil. I'll be checking more of your content. Thank you.

[@Xcorgi]

What makes your reaction videos so amazing is that you really do possess perfect pitch and can name everything they’re doing just by ear! With such a great talent, it’s a shame your not in a band of your own! You would be a huge influence on any group of musicians you’d work with.

[@thomaswachter7782]

I was fortunate to see them on the 2112 tour. Buffalo NY. It blew my mind.

[@gregvoloshen3065]

Thank You for affirming what Rush fans have known for decades.

[@tracyfife4933]

I just discovered your show and I am feeling good about it. My first two shows featured Rush. I was a Rush freak way back when these were new. Before airtime. We(Rush fanatics) had our band and no one understood why we didn't care about much else musically. 35-40 years later I still get excited. It's euphoric and it is that thing they have always brought with them. You get what it's all about. You are experiencing that "Rush" for the first time. It never goes away. It is and will always be that way. Thank you for the show and I am so glad that you are excited about the band Rush.

[@jimave]

Neil left it up to us to decide who assumed control. It’s great writing.

[@EddiePresley]

neal later said that he assumes it's a happy ending.

[@t00by00zer]

"We have assumed control" . . . dead giveaway that the Priests lost control. You don't assume control of what you already have control over.

[@rosempelfrey]

You weren’t born when this came out? I saw it live when the album came out. So crazy good!!! I was lucky enough to see them live 5 times over the years. It’s a true experience

[@smibsid7646]

Saw them 4; times .... Tripping 😎👍

[@kirkkelley3791]

Hemispheres, was my first tour In Fresno cal , with Pat Travers. Warnors theater.

[@dvincentblack]

I was 16 when this came out. I was learning how to play the guitar for about a year by then. I heard this for the first time all alone at home. Just me 'n my guitar. I heard Rush had a new album out and got it within days of it's release. Imagine being a 16 yo guitarist when this came out. I was forever changed. Eventually, I performed this live with a band. It was a labor of love. I love Rush! 🌟

[@donnybosco8319]

Think the first album, any aspiring guitarist learns to play , best is .....I know it most unusual to come before you so...

[@ericpeterson7512]

Same for me... on bass!

[@davidthomas5635]

Neil Peart performed the vocals at the end. He had a deep and resonating voice that was perfect for the sound of 'Authority' at the end. RUSH the band, stands as testament to Excellence and Humility melded together in one organ in consideration of their decades together as a band but more importantly as friends.

[@MarcoPolo-ze3ie]

The end from my point of view, is “ The Elder race , who left this planet long ago “ as stated in the lyrics coming back with a can of Non- violent wupass. We miss you Neil. RIP

[@kristycross]

"Still Learn and Grow"

[@ThePhred66]

Agree, The (high voiced) priest are are the current leaders of the solar federation, the (deep voiced) elser race returns in the end and "assumed control"/ taken over.

[@roryoneill6699]

I've always perceived it the same way. R.I.P. Neil

[@larrypearce3607]

one of the greatest tracks of all time.i see so much of what life is like to in that song,how the powers that be,what everything their own way,and stamp out the people with dreams and hopes of a better place

[@bluetopguitar1104]

The final battle. The solar federation defeats the priests. My favorite rush album. We need the solar federation.

[@MrTorn69]

Sorry, it was the Solar Federation ( The Priests) that the Elder Race returned to defeat.

[@markoliver4873]

@@MrTorn69 I have a version of 2112 which came out in 2012, that has all the songs with cartoon strip storylines.. Alex, Geddy and Neil are the Elder race, and come back in a spaceship to blow up the temples and the priests

[@MrTorn69]

@@markoliver4873 that’s sounds great!

[@MrTorn69]

@@reliantncc1864 “ they left our planet long ago, the elder race said learn and grow” …who left? The elder race….Who is returning? The elder race…who is assuming control? The elder race… who are they assuming control from? The solar federation…

[@MrTorn69]

@@reliantncc1864 no worries…It just goes to show u that us Rush fans can disagree/ agree and still treat each other like human beings… Neil Peart would be proud of us…😋

[@TygerTyger13]

Way late to the game here, but here is my thoughts on the story: The opening music is the elder race of man in their glory, then leaving the planet when sone sort of war happens. Then you jump forward many, many years, on the planet, with the techno-priests in control of everything The man finds the guitar, a relic of when the people were free to express themselves He takes it to the priests, who, for several reasons, don't want that expression to be allowed. In their minds, it would introduce a chaotic spasm of emotions and expression, potentially leading to their loss of power, but also possibly, a return to the situation that caused the war in the first place. The man, now disillusioned by the rejection by the priests, becomes despondent. He falls into a deep sleep where he has a vision (the oracle). This vision actually comes from that elder race that left the planet long ago, showing him what was/is possible when the people are allowed to expand their thinking. They show him a universe of learning, of possibilities, a universe he sees as a wonderful thing, something he would want to live. However, when the man wakes, he feels that there is no possibility for him or anyone else on the planet to ever achieve the things he saw in the vision. He ponders all the great things they could do, if not for the rule of the priests. And because he sees no way to overcome that rule, he cannot live, knowing the possibilities of what could be, and kills himself rather than live in that world. The end is the elder race, reacting to that death, they know that the people on the planet are under a totalitarian rule they don't know how to escape, and realize that they cannot sit by passively any longer. The elder race is now a part of a giant solar federation that the ones left behind on the planet know nothing about, including the priests. This federation has grown, learned, expanded their knowledge over time, unlike the planet, where the priests have stagnated everything through their control. The elder race returns to the planet, announcing to the whole federation that they are going back to assume control, to take over/depose the priests, and free the people. The death of one man, who dared to dream of more, spurred the elder race to action.

[@iplaybassbutbad6612]

I don't think he died, in the original comic it shows Anonymous coming out of the cave where he decided to die in to watch the bombings over the temple of Syrinx

[@joaomarka]

There are some texts that point towards the priest controlling the whole system (the solar federation) So the Elder race was among the stars, came back, and took over the whole system at once. The music makes it feel like when they came back, the huge advancements made the war fast and clean.

[@rikosborne1212]

When I was much younger, I was warned against Rush by somebody claiming that 2112 "encourages suicide". I blew that off. But I thought about that again much later, as an adult, and I looked at it differently. I now see Neil pointing up the futility of suicide - the protagonist killed himself just before things got better, and missed out on a better life. I think Neil wanted to say that we should never give up hope.

[@ZildjianMan30]

@@rikosborne1212 That is how I've always viewed the story as well.

[@jdsun]

YES!

[@tperran]

Doug- you have created one of my favorite reactions to one of my all-time favorite songs. I agree that every member of Rush is a virtuoso! I’ll be watching this video again soon!

[@atccrazy629]

I’ve heard from multiple sources that’s Neil’s voice at the end. Why not? He wrote the lyrics. He fell into the books by Ayn Rand by accident. He read like a machine. He never wanted to be famous, he just wanted to be good at what he chose to do.

[@HansMcGruber]

Yeah, clearly Neil. He also did the intro to The Necromancer and he voices "Subdivisions"

[@patrickcibulka2915]

It's Neil.

[@dysomniak]

He also said in later interviews that he never took the Ayn Rand shit too seriously and felt kind of weird how much it got attached to the band.

[@HansMcGruber]

@@montylc2001 It's Neil, not Alex. Listen to Neil's voice in interviews, clearly it's him, and the band has confirmed as such in several articles and interviews that Neil provided those voice overs, duh

[@HansMcGruber]

@@montylc2001 Alex is just mouthing it for the video. Many sources have confirmed it's Neil on the track. Besides all that, listen to Alex's speaking voice, it's not deep enough. Then listen to Neil speak, it's him, same voice. He had a deep speaking voice. Listen to " Attention All Planets", same thing, it's plain as day Neil's speaking voice. His bass tone was perfect for all the spoken parts in all those songs, and that's why they used him for it.

[@boxerdog5979]

I have listened to this song hundreds of times. Thank you for breaking it down. This video was a very fun journey. :)

[@kennycox3179]

Syrinx is the vocal chords for songbirds. It allows to produce two distinct notes at the same time

[@kennethmckinley8414]

Also, in Greek Mythology, it's the name of the river nymph who was transformed into water reeds, that Pan then cut to create his pan pipes.

[@marksaxon]

Rush will always have a special place in my heart and my all-time favorite band. Neil taught me how to be a real drummer and not do anything standard. Be yourself and make your own trails! RIP Neil. I'll be buried with my Rush vinyl.

[@kevindunleavy854]

I saw this whole album played live in 1977 at the Tomorrow Club in Youngstown Ohio.My jaw was on the floor in awe of what I was witnessing.WOW .. is all I can say.

[@braddunay7772]

Kevin you are right wow is all you can say when you hear these three geniuses put out the messages that they put out for almost half a century

[@craigejacobs]

The "sci-fi" sounds in the beginning of the song were created using an ARP Odyssey synthesizer and an Echoplex tape delay. On the "2112 / Moving Pictures" episode of the documentary series , producer Terry Brown states the synth intro is composed of various parts played by Hugh Syme that were put together in a collage. This part musically foreshadows the rest of the song-incorporating movements from "The Temples of Syrinx", "Presentation", "Oracle: The Dream", and "Soliloquy"-as well as a guitar adaptation of a familiar part of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Its sole lyric, at the end, "And the meek shall inherit the Earth", is a reference to the Beatitudes of the New Testament and Psalm 37:11. (from Wikipedia)

[@Pixelologist]

This album side was actually the very FIRST thing I ever heard from Rush....and I was immediately blown away.

[@jefflindgren1862]

I can't express how fascinating it is to watch your reaction to this, and other Rush masterpieces. And in the context of your obvious musical expertise, it makes it even more interesting. As a fifty six year old Rush fan who held that album in his hands, earphones playing, and went deep into the rabbit hole of Rush's music and Neil's genius story telling, watching you react is likened to me reliving that moment. Thank you and your willingness to explore this incredible masterpiece!

[@ibillwilson]

Neil referred to himself as a bleeding-heart libertarian. I don't think he ever bought into Rand's politics, but the ideas on individualism and rational self-interest apparently spoke to him. Check out the lyrics for "Anthem" on Fly By Night. Also, you can kind of consider Hemispheres (Cygnus X-1 Book II) to be a kind of repudiation of over-the-top Randian thought. Edit: Your interpretation of the ending is opposite what most people assume, i.e. that the elder race came back and rained down hellfire on the temples, assuming control in the end. I think it kind of works either way, *except* that the beginning of the finale has a definite triumphant feel to it. 2nd Edit: 2112 is also 300 years after 1812. You already noticed that little snippet of the 1812 overture in the "Overture" section of this piece. Also, the explosions here bring the cannons of the 1812 Overture to mind.

[@paulmeyerson3907]

I came here to point out the 1812 reference. Well done!

[@themechaniacal1558]

Glad you noted the 1812 reference. Yes, Hemispheres would be a sort of update on how Neil was feeling a few years later, the battle between the heart and the mind and the detrimental things that occur during an imbalance, both individually and collectively. I don't want to say any more and would love for it to see an analysis here of music and idea.

[@RickNBacker]

I think what Neil got out of Ayn Rand's novels is the "F*** you, I won't do what you tell me; I'll do it my way or not at all..." attitude of some of the characters... in addition to 2112, the following Rush songs reflect some Ayn Rand influence: Anthem, The Trees, Freewill, Tom Sawyer, maybe a few others...

[@brettking1014]

Neil was reading a lot of Ayn Rand during this time period. This was their fourth album, when the record label was really leaning on them to be more commercial. This album was a big middle finger to the record industry to say “we’re gonna do what we wanna do, and we don’t care what you think.” The lyrics and the story reflect that sentiment. This album, despite the labels serious concerns, really connected with the fan base. It ultimately gave the band the freedom to do whatever they wanted for the rest of their career.

[@myewgul]

They almost lost their record deal before this after Caress of Steel and this was their chance to keep going and they decided if it was not meant to be, they'd go out on their terms and wrote this and it blew up if I remember the story correctly

[@bobespirit2112]

The second side of this album is also excellent. It contained a radio “hit”, “A Passage to Bangkok”, which is really Rush’a only song about “Sex, drugs or Rock & Roll”, done in a typical more high-minded Rush way where they “only stop for the best” 👍🏻🤣

[@themechaniacal1558]

@@bobespirit2112 I would love to only stop for the best, but beggars cannot always be choosers.

[@wadesworld6250]

@@myewgul As I recall from one of the documentaries, they had actually lost their record deal, but the guy who was supposed to axe them was out on leave. By the time anyone noticed, 2112 was out and a huge hit. Think of the tragedy that would have resulted had that administrative gaffe not happened.

[@myewgul]

@@wadesworld6250 beyond the light stage? Yeah, that sounds right! I forgot the exact details haha

[@daleywhaley]

"I've read ahead -the priests aren't going to like it (spoliler) " lol

[@erikhesjedal3569]

1999, payday. Went to my regular dealer , to the used LP shop where i talked to the guy behibd the dsek. He told me i would LOVE rush. So I got 2112 and Hemispheres, went home, lit up a doobie and spent s couple of hours crying with pure musical joy

[@mbrandau]

The Foo Fighters introduced Rush to the R&R HOF by playing this song while dressed in all white and pretending to be Rush.

[@cochese95]

All due respect to foo fighters they tried their best to play it. Love foo fighters but they didn’t nail it by any means.

[@splatmanhooha4264]

Nah, sorry, foo fighters cannot complete

[@DamienDrake]

It was an entertaining performance. And Nick Raskulinecz was on bass as I recall. 2/3 Foo Fighters, 1/3 Rush producer. All awesome.

[@matheusmota1741]

One of my favorite things about this song is the fact that the voice at the end has an easter egg in it. "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation" has 7 words in it and "We have assumed control" has 4, each are repeated 3 times resulting in 2112. My mind was blown when I noticed it.

[@michaelb.42112]

WHAAAATTT ???? I never noticed that nor is my brain big enough to.

[@123dacat]

Bless you Doug. I'm a long time Rush fan of Rush. I miss Neil and Rush so much. Please continue with their Discography.

[@fernandocast435]

Holy shit, this indeed a BIG one, glad you jumped into this one Doug! Supposedly the "earlier race" of man left the planet and had a civilization of wonder with music and passion, but some remained and they turned the planet into a dystopia, so that's what he's referring to in Oracle. Yes our dear protagonist died of suicide thinking he'd never see a world like in his dreams. As for who wins? Who knows? It could be that the tyrant federation ultimately won with the death of the last of the musiclovers, our protagonist. Or it could be that the human race from his dream returned and took control back, in the end, who knows? Very fun song, I like the Rush epics very much even if Geddy Lee thinks The Fountain of Lamneth is DREADFUL, I think they're all worth a shot with all your added commentary, I honestly don't understand all that talk about A, C, F sharp and stuff, but I can pretend to be smart and get it.

[@lemmy9809]

Im 61 years old ..this album will always be one of the greatest albums ever...Ever .END ..i love you all ❤❤❤

[@dannym3103]

That Holy shit is THE reaction when listening to it the first time. Makes me sad that rush is no more but I am so glad I grew up on them.

[@rh5563]

First time hearing a classical composer do reaction videos. Metal Monday’s…. You’ve got my subscription brother. 👍👍👍

[@woodystorey]

I’ve seen Rush 17 times over the years, each and every concert they raise their own bar of greatness. Their songs touch the listeners soul, as it’s always done for me. Never will hear such utter GENUIS in lyrics from Peart…I’m in my late 50’s and Rush is as big to me now as it was when I was in my gullible teenage years…FOREVER RUSH!…thanks Doug for the critique from your views of your background, I very much enjoyed hearing your thoughts….

[@chrismatthews8717]

Live they used to sometimes sing: "We are the plumbers who've come to fix your sink" as the first line of the chorus in The Temples of Syrinx section. The finale to this piece of music is astonishing. One of the most moving endings to a rock suite. The Elder Race return home to restore harmony.

[@StLouisEarl]

First time watching your video Doug. I’m not sure if I’m gonna be able to put this in the right words, but with your qualifications in music I feel that you certified what us Rush fans felt all along. These 3 guys are the best at what they do! I look forward to any more reviews you do on Rush. You spoke of pressure from record companies. It’s my understanding that there was pressure from the beginning. And after the success of 2112 they became free from the grips of the establishment and sealed it with the LP Farewell to kings. Thanks so much for this review! When a man of your caliber calls these guys geniuses, it brought tears to my eyes!